LL Cool J - Walking with a Panther

LL's masterpiece-that-could-have-been

I just can't comprehend why this disc continues to be held in such low esteem by so many. Hip-hop has had it's share of criminally underrated discs, but in my opinion "Walking With a Panther" is the most underrated hip-hop album of all time (M.U.H.O.A.T.).
I understand that back in the day it was maligned for being out of step with the conscious era and for the ill-advised decision to include not one but THREE ballads, but I would have expected revisionism to treat this one a little more kindly.
I agree with the reviewer who said that if this album had been cut down to about 12 tracks it would be a classic to rival "Mama Said...". In my opinion, at it's best this album contains some of the most vital and engaging hip-hop ever produced, especially in the opening three tracks.
Having said that, I realize that I'm not here so much to editorialize as to help potential buyers decide whether or not this disc would make a good purchase. I'd say yes; if you're interested in LL or golden era hip-hop in general then this definitely is worth your while (just be wary of censored copies). Also, if you're new to Cool J, don't make this your first disc. Try "Radio" or "Mama Said Knock You Out" instead.
In fairness, given the option I would have rated this 3.5 stars. There's a lot of filler here, and three ballads on one LP is just unforgiveable. Still, the classic material on here is SO classic, and LL so obviously believed in and gave his all to this project, that being a fan I'm inclined to round up rather than down.
December 27, 2008

Good Album

This album was pretty good it wasn`t the best but it was ok i would recomend it to any one who likes old school hiphop December 6, 2008

What the ****?!

I just received my new copy of Walking Like a Panther. No, it's no masterpiece, but I'm trying to relive my youth, so...

I pop it into the player and immediately notice that I've got the radio version, completely censored!

The cover says 'Explicit Lyrics'. Nowhere does it warn me that I'm buying a chopped-up PG-13 version of what I thought I was ordering.

I can't even rap along because the scrambling destroys the music right along with the 'bad' words. "I'm so bad I can suck my own -wicki-wicki-!"

Very disappointed. April 11, 2008

This is an underrated album from LL Cool J

LL put out some of the best material of his career on this "Walking With A Panther" album, it features some of my favorite songs like "Jingling Baby", "Big Ole Butt", "Droppin' Em", "Clap Your Hands", "I'm That Type Of Guy", and "Nitro", some people might say this is his worst effort but really it's one of the best albums in rap history, stop sleeping haters. March 22, 2008

Planned Landscape

Walking With A Panther is the third release of L.L. Cool J where he explored more with diverse subjects and taking control of production. The lead-off, "Droppin' Em" is a lyrical attack with punchlines and metaphors of superiority to contenders. Slowing the pace with gloomy effects on "Smokin', Dopin'" compares his artistry as being addictive. "Fast Peg" is quite short and simple with a tale of abuse and violent life of a woman. With lyrical content such as "...her man be smaking her up / backing her up / to the wall..." gives vivid images to accompany the story. Giving the audience the opportunity to participate on "Clap Your Hands" the funk lead guitar adds to the experience. The chemically balanced song "Nitro" proves that the pen is mightier than the sword delivered with a vengeance. Opening himself to a seldom seen subject of hip-hop/rap to love on "You're My Heart" over dramatic r&b chords. "I'm That Type Of Guy" has a burgulary mystic where L.L. skillfully takes another man's woman with an impressive spoken flow. Tongue tied delivery displays the ability, skill and versatility on "Why Do You Think They Call It Dope?" to answer its own question. Relaxing to the exotic jazz blend of the horn section on "Going Back To Cali" highlights this album by expanding genres. Opposite of his name "It Gets No Rougher" is fueled by a guitar giving the edge. As Ladies Love journey to his strength and appeal on "Big Ole Butt" and "1-900 L.L. Cool J" over looped samples. "Jealous" is attacking a personality trait of some people who may criticize as the simple harmonized chorus to compliment the slow groove. Aimed as a head nodder on "Jingling Baby" showing off the movement of ladies earrings is like aphrodisiac for Cool J. Taking a more mellow angle on "Def Jam In The Motherland" meshed with a jazzy feel over the incessant vibes. As there were a few failed attempts theres more than enough material for entertainment. Seen as the earlier years of L.L. Cool J should be a model for many of today's artist in rap/hip-hop because of evident versatility. Walking With A Panther is a deadly path to cross for adversaries containing classic material within. March 15, 2008

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